Job Discussion Forums

[Windy City 31]

Hello everyone,
I've been lurking around on the board for a little while now and finally got around to creating accounts for each forum.

I know that this question has been "beat to death" and then some. However, I am looking for answers specifically related to the topic and Chicago. Based on my research thus far, it only seems that there are 2 worthy in-person programs here in Chicago: TEFL Institute and SIT (World Learning) which is presented by Global TEFL at DePaul University.

I would really like to make the most well-informed decision since this will be a costly (for me at least) endeavour. As of right now, I'm looking to teach in Indonesia as I currently have a close friend teaching in Bandung. I'm 31 years old and hold an Associates of the Arts in Communication: Speech Option. I've also begun volunteer work through World Relief and will be doing in-home ESL tutoring to a re-settled Iraqi refugee student here in Chicago. I felt that it would be a good way to "get my feet wet' in the whole ESL / TEFL field. Currently, I'm a state employee in Chicago and not feeling much purpose or meaning to what I'm doing.

Any guidance or wisdom from seasoned TEFLers is much appreciated!

[norwalkesl]

I strongly suggest taking the CELTA in another NA city.

It is very widely known and accepted and will instruct you in how to teach ESL.

While the TEFL Institute program you mentioned may in fact be excellent, and the SIT is a peer of the CELTA in every regard (along with the Trinity cert) the market recognizes the CELTA cert above all others.

With an AA, completing your BA will reap substantial benefits as well.

I rank the best most marketable certs as follows:

CELTA
Trinity
SIT Tesol

Good luck in your course!

[Englishish]

Can't comment on Chicago but you might want to think about applying to do the CELTA course in Indonesia if you want to go there for work.

Link to place in Indonesia teaching Cambridge CELTA course:
http://cambridgeesol-centres.org/centres/teaching/centreContactDetails.do?centreNumber=ID015&qualification=10&source=teacheraward&country=ID

They have several places in Indonesia where the CELTA is available, including one in Bandung.
http://www.tbi.co.id/course.php?id_course=9

It may well be cheaper than doing the qualification in NA too. Or you could check out other countries on the Cambridge website for CELTA courses abroad.

[Justin Trullinger]

I'd agree with doing a good cert, and I honestly have some doubts about the TEFL institute program...this isn't well informed though- just rumors. Maybe a graduate of the program will turn up on the forums?

I agree that the CELTA is the best known course, but I'm not sure about the other benefits described by norwalkesl- to be clear, I'm a little biased, as an SIT trainer. But while it's true that CELTA is one of the biggest courses worldwide, I haven't seen the "market recognition" problems with the other quality course. (My first teaching qual was a Trinity cert, years ago- haven't felt disadvantaged in any way by not having a CELTA.) As an SIT trainer for three years, I've seen our grads go on to work all over the world- nobody's told me yet "I would have got the job if I'd done a CELTA." I know one local employer (here in Quito) with a preference for the CELTA- they are, as you might imagine, the local CELTA center.

By the way WindyCity31- I was a trainer on the course you mention (through globalTEFL at Depaul) last summer. If you'd like to get in communication with course grads, or have any other questions, feel free to contact me.)


Best,
Justin

[Windy City 31]